Giants finalize 53-man roster, keep Odell Beckham Jr.

The New York Giants submitted their initial 53-man roster before the league’s 6 p.m. deadline, making only modest adjustments as they cut the squad from 91 to 53 players. Wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. earned a spot after a season-ending knee injury to Calvin Austin III and delivered a strong preseason performance.

Quarterbacks Jaxson Dart and Jameis Winston made the active list, while veteran Brandon Allen and recent signee Jake Haener were released. Running backs Cam Skattebo, Najee Harris, Devin Singletary and Tyrone Tracy Jr. remain, with Harris showing promise after returning from a torn Achilles.

The receiving corps includes Malik Nabers, Malachi Fields, Darnell Mooney, Darius Slayton and Beckham. ESPN reported that the team plans to reactivate veteran Braxton Berrios for punt returns, leaving one receiver as a healthy scratch on game day, likely between Beckham and Slayton.

Tight ends Isaiah Likely, Pat Ricard, Theo Johnson, Chris Manhertz and Thomas Fidone II were retained. Coach John Harbaugh said last week that Johnson is going to be fine, suggesting the tight-end group may be trimmed later.

On the offensive line, nine players were kept, with rookie center Bryan Hudson chosen over veteran Lucas Patrick despite limited experience. The move reflects a focus on future development as the team navigates depth concerns.

Defensive line additions include DJ Reader, Shelby Harris, Chauncey Golston, CJ Okoye, Darius Alexander and Bobby Jamison-Travis. The Giants traded a 2028 seventh-round pick for Okoye, giving him a chance to start despite limited snaps in his career.

Outside linebackers Brian Burns, Abdul Carter and Kayvon Thibodeaux will handle edge duties, while inside linebackers Tremaine Edmunds, Arvell Reese, Micah McFadden, Jack Kelly and Zaire Barnes round out the unit.

Cornerbacks Greg Newsome, Deonte Banks, Dru Phillips, Paulson Adebo, Colton Hood and Nic Jones compete for starting roles, with Newsome and Banks favored early in the season. Safeties Jevon Holland, Tyler Nubin, Ar’Darius Washington, Jason Pinnock and Elijah Campbell complete the secondary.

Special teams retain kicker Dominic Zvada, punter Jordan Stout and long snapper Ben Mann after the release of Ben Sauls.

The roster reflects the Giants’ ongoing need for depth, especially as they sit fifth in the waiver claim order and may still pursue additional moves before the regular season begins.